At the April 19 TPB meeting, board members approved the Regional Bike to Work Day Proclamation, Visualize 2050 Schedule update, and the FY 2024 Transportation Land-Use Connections projects. In addition, the TPB received an overview of the 2023 Coordinated Human Service Transportation Plan Update and the WMATA Better Bus Work Session.
Meeting agenda, materials, and recording
Regional Bike to Work Day Proclamation
Bike to Work Day 2023 is scheduled for May 19. Nicholas Ramfos, TPB Transportation Operations Program Director, announced that this year’s event will have 108 pit stops in 22 COG member jurisdictions. Based on recent participation and the 2019 Bike to Work Day survey (conducted every three years), here are a few quick stats:
- 2023 registrant goal is 14,000; 2017 peak registration was 18,000
- Most participants live in Virginia and commute to the District
- One-third work in private sector; one-third work for federal agencies; one-fifth work for non-profits
- 23 percent of new rider respondents started cycling to work 2.5 days per week after the event
The TPB approved the Bike to Work Day 2023 Proclamation, which was signed by TPB Chair Reuben Collins. Register for the event and use #BTWD2023 on social media.
(COG/TPB)
Visualize 2050 Updated Schedule
The TPB approved an update to the Visualize 2050 planning process schedule to allow member jurisdictions additional time to reexamine and resubmit projects for inclusion in the plan update. TPB Plan Development and Coordination Program Director Lyn Erickson presented a revised schedule (table below) that adds six months to the original schedule adopted in early 2023. Under the new schedule, project inputs will be due at the end of 2023, and a 30-day public comment will take place in March 2024 in addition to the current rolling comment period on project inputs. Learn more about Visualize 2050. To provide feedback on DC, MD, or VA projects in the long-range plan, visit the Get Involved page at visualize2050.org.
(COG/TPB)
FY 2024 Transportation Land-Use Connections Project Approvals
Ten local planning projects were approved for a total of $755,000 as part of the Transportation Land-Use Connections (TLC) Program. The projects are in a mix of DC, MD, and VA jurisdictions, and all promote walking, cycling, safety, and access to transit. View the TPB news release.
In related news, TPB hosted the webinar Promoting Vibrant Communities and Safer Roads on April 20. The webinar featured recent examples of TLC and Regional Roadway Safety Program projects for pedestrian safety plans, trail design, and bike safety education.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Coordinated Human Service Transportation Plan Update
Sergio Ritacco, TPB Transportation Planner, provided a briefing on the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program and the TPB’s update of its Coordinated Human Service Transportation Plan. The Enhanced Mobility program is focused on meeting transportation needs through a variety of mobility options including volunteer driver programs, door through door escorted transportation services, wheelchair accessible vans and taxis, and increasing access to transit stations. COG is a designated recipient of Enhanced Mobility funding for the region and prepares the Coordinated Plan, which is updated every four years.
Developed with the input of the TPB's Access For All Advisory Committee, older adults, persons with disabilities, and individuals who identify as low income, the Coordinated Plan identifies unmet mobility needs and reports on the strategies and projects best suited to meet those needs.
The TPB will be asked to approve the update to the Coordinated Plan at its May 2023 meeting. Once the plan is approved, it will serve as a foundation for COG’s upcoming solicitation period for the Enhanced Mobility grant program. With additional funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, COG will be able to award up to $10 million in projects during the 2023 solicitation period.
MORE: 2023 Enhanced Mobility Grantee Best Practices Forum highlights importance of partnerships
WMATA Better Bus Work Session Recap
Prior to the April 19 TPB meeting, the TPB, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC), and WMATA (Metro) held a Better Bus Work Session. The session included an overview of regional bus service-related initiatives and focused on three key Metro topics: bus prioritization, stop and station improvements, and transition to a zero-emissions bus fleet.
Allison Davis, WMATA Vice President of Planning, thanked all who participated in the session, adding, “Bus is our best way to get people out of their cars, moving between where they need to go when they want to travel. And so, all of us really have a key role in making that happen.”
A recording of the session is available through the posted video on the April TPB meeting page or read more in the session recap. The recap includes information on upcoming TPB studies that will support regional work toward a Better Bus system.
Committee and Director’s Report Highlights
TPB Technical Committee, TPB Community Advisory Committee, Steering Committee, and Director’s reports are available on the April TPB meeting page.
Kanti Srikanth reported on approved amendments to the FY 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and letters of support for transit projects and bus program funding for Charles County, Montgomery County, and WMATA. The Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee has shared comments with the EPA on draft guidance on the preparation of state implementation plan provisions that address the nonattainment area contingency measure requirements for ozone and particulate matter.
As part of the April Action Items, the TPB approved a resolution to amend the FY 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to update WMATA funding to align with WMATA’s proposed FY 2024 budget and six-year capital improvement program.
Additional announcements:
WMATA Visionary Network and Metrobus 50th Anniversary
WMATA unveiled a draft Visionary Network on April 17 as part of its Better Bus network redesign initiative. The proposed Metrobus network has been released for public comment. In addition, Metro is hosting 50 events over 50 days in celebration of the Metrobus 50th anniversary.
Maryland Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program
The TPB is expected to approve funding on July 19, 2023, for Maryland TA Set-Aside projects. The program is for smaller-scale capital improvement projects including bicycle and pedestrian facilities, trails, safe routes to school (SRTS) projects, and environmental mitigation. Visit www.roads.maryland.gov.
Maryland Transportation Plan Update
The Maryland DOT has kicked off the 2050 Maryland Transportation Plan—its long-range transportation plan update. More information, including public comment opportunities, is available on the MDOT website.
Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board Spring Meetings
In April and May, the Commonwealth Transportation Board has been hosting public meetings in Virginia DOT districts. The meetings provide an opportunity to comment on projects to be included in the FY 2024-2029 Six-Year Improvement Program. TPB staff participated in the May 1 meeting at the Northern Virginia District office in Fairfax.
Think Regionally Podcast
COG’s March Think Regionally podcast featured regional roadway safety. The “Prioritizing Safety on Our Region's Roadways” episode included interviews with City of Frederick Alderman and TPB Board Member Kelly Russell, City of Alexandria Department of Transportation and Environmental Services Deputy Director Hillary Orr, and COG Systems Performance Planning Program Director Andrew Meese.
NEXT MEETING
The next TPB meeting is scheduled for May 17 at 12:00 P.M. The May meeting is virtual. A YouTube livestream option is available for all TPB board meetings.